The Ruthless Alpha

Threads of Deception

The tension between Kane and me had settled into a strained routine. He was cold and distant, his sharp silver eyes watching me as if he were waiting for something. What that something was, I couldn’t begin to guess, but it made my chest feel tight whenever I was near him.

The packhouse was quiet when I wandered into the kitchen late one evening, my restless mind refusing to let me sleep. I hadn’t eaten much at dinner, too preoccupied with the strange looks the pack members were giving me. There was no hostility, but the wariness lingered, a reminder that I didn’t belong here.

I rummaged through the cupboards, searching for something simple to eat. Bread, maybe, or some leftover fruit. I found nothing.

I listened for a moment, waiting for someone to enter the kitchen and find me standing here, but nobody came.

I began to open different cupboards in the kitchen, finding a frying pan, two eggs, and half a box of mushrooms. I began to prepare myself some food. The familiar routine of working in the kitchen made me relax. I settled into the movements with ease, my body knew what to do.

I was so caught up in my work that I didn't hear the approaching footsteps. I only realized I wasn't alone anymore, as the door swung open behind me.

I froze, my heart skipping a beat.

“I didn’t realize you cooked for yourself.”

Kane’s voice was calm, but there was a note of curiosity that set me on edge.

I turned slowly, clutching the bowl of eggs and mushrooms in my hands like a lifeline. He leaned against the door, his tall frame relaxed, but his eyes—those piercing silver eyes—were locked on me.

“I didn’t want to bother anyone,” I said quietly, setting the bread down on the counter.

He raised an eyebrow, stepping further into the room. “Bother anyone? You’re the Alpha’s wife. No one would dare complain.”

I bit my lip, unsure how to respond. I could feel his gaze sweeping over me, studying me in a way that made my skin prickle.

“You don’t act like someone who grew up in privilege,” he said after a moment, his voice low. “Why is that?”

My stomach churned. I gripped the counter behind me, willing my face to remain neutral. “I... I don’t know what you mean.”

He took another step closer, the air in the room growing heavy. “You’re timid. You avoid eye contact. You cook for yourself. And then there are the scars.”

My heart stopped.

“What scars?” I asked, my voice trembling.

His gaze dropped to my arms, where the edge of my sleeve had ridden up just enough to reveal a thin, jagged line. I hadn’t realized it was showing, and I tugged the fabric down quickly, but it was too late.

“The ones you try so hard to hide,” he said, his tone sharper now. “You have them on your shoulders, too.”

I felt like the air had been sucked out of the room. He’d seen them? When? My mind raced, but I kept my expression blank.

“Cassandra doesn’t have scars like that,” he continued, his words slicing through me like a blade. “She’s the Alpha’s daughter. She’s supposed to be untouchable.”

I forced myself to meet his gaze, though my hands were shaking. “Not every wound is visible, Kane.”

He frowned, his jaw tightening. It was clear he wasn’t satisfied with my answer, but he didn’t press the issue further.

Instead, he stepped closer, his towering presence making me feel small. “Who are you really?” he asked, his voice a low growl.

I held my breath, my mind screaming at me to say something, anything, that would keep my secret safe.

“I’m exactly who you think I am,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “Your wife.”

His eyes narrowed, suspicion flickering in their depths. For a moment, I thought he would push me further, demand answers I couldn’t give. But then he turned away, his broad shoulders tense.

“Go to bed,” he said, his tone clipped. “And stop sneaking around the kitchen like a servant. You’re supposed to be an Alpha’s mate. Act like it.”

I stood frozen as he walked out, the door swinging shut behind him.

I put the bowl on the counter but no longer had an appetite. Kane’s words echoed in my mind, each one a reminder that my deception was hanging by a thread.

He was starting to doubt me.

And if he uncovered the truth, I wasn’t sure what would happen.